The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand Photography Tours: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Tours vs. Workshops: What’s the Difference?

Both photography tours and photography workshops in New Zealand help you grow as a photographer, but they serve slightly different needs:

• Multi-day tours: These are immersive journeys across several locations, often covering South Island regions like Fiordland, Mackenzie, and Otago. Days are structured around sunrise and sunset shoots, with travel between locations in between. Tours allow you to experience the diversity of the New Zealand and capture a portfolio of images that tell a story.

• Short workshops: Typically one or two nights, these are location-specific. Workshops include photo-editing sessions and suit those with less time, or those wanting to refine specific skills.

Which is right for you depends on whether you’re seeking a deep exploration across New Zealand, or a shorter, focused learning experience.

What to Expect on a New Zealand Photography Tour

Every photo tour is different, but there are some common threads you can expect:

Small Groups, Big Experiences

Tours are usually limited to small numbers. This means more personal guidance, more space to set up shots, and stronger connections within the group.

Hidden Locations

With local knowledge, you’ll reach places you might never find alone: Years of experience photographing in these locations has taught me where some of the best shots can be captured, often in off-the-beaten-track spots.

The Rhythm of the Day

A typical day balances creativity and rest:

• Early mornings chasing first light.

• Midday travel, image review, and editing sessions.

• Afternoon/Evening shoots during golden hour as as the sun drops.

Flexibility with Nature

Above all, be ready for change. In New Zealand, weather and light can change quite quickly and this can change the focus of our photography. The real skill lies in reading the conditions — adapting to them is all part of the journey.

The Best Regions for Photography in New Zealand

While every corner of the country has photographic potential, a few regions stand out for landscape photography tours in NZ:

Mackenzie Country

• Highlights: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki’s shifting turquoise, Lake Tekapo’s lupins, and one of the world’s premier dark sky reserves.

• Why it’s special: The Mackenzie is a photographer’s dream for both grand landscapes and night skies. On clear nights, the Milky Way arches like a river of light above the peaks.

Otago

• Highlights: Central Otago’s gold-toned hills, Great lakes and wide valleys framed by mountains.

• Why it’s special: Otago blends pastoral beauty with rugged high country. In autumn, the colour palette of ochre and gold is unmatched.

Fiordland

• Highlights: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and countless hidden valleys carved by ice and water.

• Why it’s special: Few places offer photographers incredible photo opportunities like Fiordland. Dramatic, moody, and often cloaked in mist, it’s a place where light and weather create endless possibilities. Learn more about these protected landscapes on the Department of Conservation’s website.

Central Plateau, North Island

• Highlights: Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, volcanic landscapes, emerald crater lakes, and geothermal areas.

• Why it’s special: The Central Plateau offers a striking contrast to the South Island’s sweeping valleys and fjords – a dramatic landscape where where the light and weather shift quickly. Volcanic peaks rise dramatically from rolling tussock lands, and the region’s vivid landscape creates unique photographic opportunities.

These regions form the backbone of most NZ photo tours, offering variety, drama, and a lifetime’s worth of images.

You can also check out my 5 Top Locations in the North Island and 5 Top Locations in the South Island articles.

How to Prepare for a Photography Tour in New Zealand

Preparation is key to making the most of your journey. Here’s what to think about:

Photography Gear

• A reliable DSLR or mirrorless camera.

• Wide-angle and telephoto lenses for landscapes.

• A sturdy tripod for long exposures and night skies.

• Filters (ND, polariser) for creative control.

• Backup memory cards, external drives, and a laptop for editing.

Clothing & Practical Gear

• Layered clothing: mornings can be frosty, afternoons mild.

• Waterproof jacket and pants — weather shifts fast.

• Good hiking shoes with grip.

• Gloves and beanie in cooler months.

Fitness & Mindset

Most tours don’t require extreme fitness, but a basic level of walking ability is helpful. More important is mindset: patience, curiosity, and willingness to embrace conditions as they are.

Travel Tips

• Best times to visit: Autumn for colours, winter for snow, spring for lupins, summer for long evenings.

• Transport: Tours handle logistics, letting you focus on photography.

• Accommodation: Comfortable, often locally owned lodges or hotels — the focus is on proximity to landscapes.

Why Small Group Tours Make a Big Difference

Large groups can overwhelm a location, making it harder to focus on your craft. In contrast, small group photography tours in New Zealand mean:

• More one-on-one time with your guide.

• Easier logistics and more flexibility.

• A sense of camaraderie as you share the experience together.